On Solid Ground
In the fall of 2024, we were thrilled to secure a former football field on Ball Avenue—one of the last greenspaces in the Creston neighborhood. With community support, we’re turning this space into a hub for expanding our farm and programming. Our capital campaign, On Solid Ground, invites you to dream big with us. What if this space became an urban agriculture training center? We’re making it happen, and we need your help! Join us in making Phase 2 of our campaign a reality!
See The Vision
Our Four Steps to Success
On Solid Ground Impact:
Farm Apprentices
Executive Director, Ricardo Tavárez, shares the story of a Farm Apprentice, Kevon.
Growing Farmers and Leaders:
A Vision for the Future
Operations Director, Lance Kraai, shares reflections on our vision.
Phase 1
Land Acquisition (2024)
We purchased a 5-acre former football field only a mile away from our Farmhouse location for $400,000. With overwhelming support from the community we have already secured $100,000 for our down payment. Gifts received beyond the $100,000 goal were directed to the principal of our loan.
Phase 2
Farm Development (2025)
The goal of phase two is to build the infrastructure needed to start farming the site in 2026. Needs include a native plant border, fencing, farm equipment, electrical service, a well, high tunnels, and an irrigation system.
Phase 3
Education & Production (2026)
Our dream is to build an environmentally sustainable farm education center with a greenhouse, washing/pack area, solar panels, and cold storage to bring our programming to the next level.
New City Farm: Twelve Years of Impact
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$481,470
Youth Wages
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228
Youth Employees
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640,000 lbs.
Fresh Produce
My experience with New City Neighbors, from being a youth employee to one of the apprentices, has been incredibly impactful. Working here has taught me not only about sustainable farming and teamwork but also the value of community involvement/building and giving back. As an apprentice, I’ve had the chance to take on greater responsibilities from my mentors, and see the positive impact I could truly make. This journey has been a powerful foundation for not just my professional growth, but personal as well.
I’ve received a lot, but have been able to give back as well. I appreciated how the farm apprentice program isn’t just one way. I’ve never been in a job where people care.
Working at New City Neighbors has introduced me to a community of people like me, passionate about food access and youth development. Through the farm apprenticeship I have learned many aspects of growing food. I have also come to treasure what it means to be a part of a community that takes care of each other. The hands on experience I’ve gained through the apprenticeship will benefit my future in farming and gives me a greater appreciation for the earth and the hands that grow the food we eat.